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Updated: May 31, 2026
08:33
Vampiric Isolation of Extracellular Fluid from Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: March 19, 2012
Becoming a vampire without being bitten: the narrative collective-assimilation hypothesis
Shira Gabriel1, Ariana F Young
1Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Park Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA. sgabriel@buffalo.edu
Psychological Science
|July 14, 2011
Summary
Experiencing stories can make people feel like they belong to the groups within them. This narrative collective assimilation fulfills the need for connection, boosting life satisfaction and mood.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Media Psychology
Background:
- Humans have a fundamental need to belong to groups.
- Narratives are powerful tools for shaping social identity and connection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and test the narrative collective-assimilation hypothesis.
- To explore the psychological impact of identifying with fictional groups.
Main Methods:
- Participants read narrative passages from the Harry Potter (wizards) or Twilight (vampires) series.
- Implicit and explicit measures assessed psychological identification with the fictional collectives.
- Moderation analysis examined the role of belongingness needs.
Main Results:
- Reading about wizards led to psychological assimilation into the wizard collective.
- Reading about vampires led to psychological assimilation into the vampire collective.
- Assimilation was moderated by the need for belonging and increased life satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Narrative collective assimilation is a psychologically meaningful process.
- Identifying with fictional groups can satisfy the need to belong.
- Narratives offer a pathway to enhanced well-being and social connection.
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